"Approaching the new year, prices (of basic commodities) are relatively abnormal. Prices of basic necessities are relatively unstable. Some have gone up and some have gone down," Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the House Aria Bima stated on the sidelines of a Christmas celebration here on Wednesday.
However, he believes that Indonesia will not experience a food crisis, given that the stock has so far been guaranteed.
"I am optimistic that we will not experience food shortages. It is only soybeans and flour (imported products). That is because shipping has not been operating normally due to the COVID-19 pandemic," he remarked.
In connection with this, the House and the government are currently still seeking solutions, so that access to shipments is not constrained.
"We hope that the (supply shortage of) flour and soybeans will be resolved quickly," he remarked.
However, domestic production is estimated to be guaranteed. Moreover, the government provides special subsidies for logistics, including rail transportation.
"The principle of Pancasila is justice, including preparing basic needs, an economic unit. Jokowi's government is able to make sea, air, and land interconnections in a good way," he remarked.
He expressed optimism that this step would minimize the high price difference between regions.
Apart from basic needs, he said Commission VI of the House is also concerned about the issue of public transportation.
"Before recess, I gathered transportation SOEs in Commission VI to conduct an inspection. There were 63 million people traveling throughout Indonesia (at the end of the year), and then there were 3.6 million flights," he stated.
"So, we are not only prioritizing people but also logistical issues," he remarked.
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Translator: Aris Wasita, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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